10 Worst free agent signings in Rockets history

3. Stromile Swift

Former second overall pick Stromile Swift oozed with athleticism, which saw him participate in the 2001 Slam Dunk Contest. The Rockets signed Swift to a four-year deal worth $22 million in 2005, fresh off a 2004-05 campaign that saw him post averages of 10.1 points and 4.6 rebounds in just 21 minutes of action.

To that point, Swift had been a reserve with the Grizzlies, averaging 10.3 points and 5.4 rebounds over the course of his prior four seasons before joining the Rockets, all while averaging just 22 minutes in that same span. At just 26 years-old, the Rockets thought Swift was capable of a larger role.

The Rockets thought Swift and Yao Ming would make for a great pairing, which led to large disappointment, as Swift averaged 8.9 points and 4.4 rebounds in 2005-06. The Rockets ultimately sent Swift packing back to the Grizzlies after one year, along with the draft rights for Rudy Gay, landing fan favorite Shane Battier in the deal.